Chairman Soo Kim, of Bally’s Corp., maintains a positive outlook on the project, expressing optimism about the synergies expected with the stadium that will ultimately bring long-term value to the company.
The commitment to completing the first phase of the Las Vegas resort and casino by 2028 has been reaffirmed by Bally’s Corp. The project will coincide with the debut of the $1.5 billion ballpark for the Oakland Athletics. Both developments are set to occupy the 35-acre site formerly held by the Tropicana Las Vegas.
Initially, the operator had planned to prioritize the development of the ballpark before shifting its focus to the casino. However, changing market conditions led to an acceleration of the timeline, prompting the company to launch both projects simultaneously. Despite skepticism from industry insiders, Bally’s management remains steadfast in their long-term plans.
Phase 1 of the project will comprise a casino, hotel tower, and various dining and entertainment options. Chairman Soo Kim highlighted in an interview with local news outlet Las Vegas Review-Journal that these initial developments will concentrate on establishing a core offering, with potential for further expansion in the future.
Construction on the 33,000-seat ballpark for the Athletics could commence as early as April 2024, allowing for a 31-month construction window in anticipation of the 2028 season. Bally’s has greater flexibility with the construction timeline for its Phase 1 casino project, providing the opportunity to begin construction at a later date while still meeting the deadline for the stadium’s opening.
Several renderings of the planned casino resort have been circulating online, showcasing a modern collection of hotel towers, casinos, and amenities surrounding the Athletics’ proposed ballpark. Chairman Soo Kim noted that these renderings are not final, as details such as the dimensions and profile of the resort hotel towers are subject to change.
“I think we’re working pretty hard to come up with a plan that will allow us to at least build Phase 1 and open at the same time as the ballpark,” expressed Chairman Soo Kim.
A crucial consideration for the project is ensuring that the resort does not obstruct the view of the Las Vegas Strip from inside the ballpark. Both Bally’s and the Athletics have publicly committed to preserving this view, acknowledging its significance in enhancing the fan experience. Once fully developed, the site will feature 3,000 rooms, 90,000 square feet of casino floor space with slot machines and table games, and a dedicated 12,000-square-foot sportsbook area.
